Michael Weir: Heroic effort is needed to catch Hearts

Our superb form on the road had to come to an end at some point, I suppose. However, losing a last-minute goal on Saturday at the Falkirk Stadium made it harder to bear.

Hibs boss Alan Stubbs was far from happy that the players allowed their performance levels to drop.

The absence of Dominique Malonga was also a huge blow and our chances in the final third were, by all accounts, rather limited.

A point wouldn’t have been a bad result but we have now lost ground on the teams above us, with both Hearts and Rangers winning and, although the gap between ourselves and Queen of the South remained intact, Falkirk are now just two points behind us in fifth.

The deficit between ourselves and city rivals Hearts has reached 19 points and, if we’re being honest, it would take a heroic effort to claw back that kind of margin.

Nevertheless, I am sure the players will continue to push for the title until it is mathematically impossible.

We continue to make life difficult for ourselves, though – our home form has been less than convincing which has meant the win ratio away from Easter Road has needed to be exceptional.

To give credit where it’s due, the players have shown they can raise their game away from home and grind out results. But winning in front of our own supporters is the key to a successful season.

It has been said many times before, but until we learn how to win regularly at home, the seats around Easter Road will continue to remain unoccupied.

There are some really important fixtures on the horizon, and this is sure to test the nerve of Alan Stubbs’ squad. One or two that have been on the fringes should view this as an opportunity to stake a more regular place in the side.

Alloa are next to roll into town on Saturday and collecting all three points is simply a must. Barry Smith and his players will be looking for revenge following their Scottish Cup exit and will fancy their chances of an upset.

Now is the time to get our home form back on track and start making Easter Road an intimidating venue once again.